How to Wear Skinny Jeans: If You’re Plus Size

While you might think skinny jeans — by virtue of their somewhat discouraging name — are only for the super-skinny we see no reason why every girl, including plus size, can’t rock whatever trend they like. There are ways to maximize your style, however, while minimizing any potentially unfortunate (and unflattering) side-effects. The trick to wearing a trend — any trend — is to wear it in a way that works best for YOUR body type. Tips for plus size fashionistas who want to rock plus size skinny jeans:

Do the dark wash.

It’s one of the oldest tricks in the fashion book — darker colors make us look slimmer, and dark denim is always more sophisticated than your acid-wash, distressed, razor-hacked alternatives.

Proportion, proportion, proportion.

Skinny jeans create a sharp line from the waist down. For curvier girls, that might be an all too exaggerated line from a wider hip to a slimmer ankle — meaning to avoid looking like an upside down triangle, we’ll need to skip the oversized, boldly patterned top in favor of something solid and neutral that skims the body, like this embroidered tunic from Lane Bryant.

Pick the right shoes.

Speaking of proportion, balance out fuller hips/thighs/calves with some substantial — but still sexy! — shoes. Bold strappy wedge sandals are everywhere right now, and are the perfect counterpoint to add some substance and interest at the slimmest point of your body.

To Spanx or not to Spanx?

That’s always the question. While we’re always fans of anything that makes us just a little bit more smooth, slimmers under jeans can be tricky as they can add additional bulk to an already tight ensemble. That being said, slip into a high-waisted, mid-thigh slimmer to help keep everything where it belongs.

Thank you. I was looking for a little advice on turning one of my favorite outfits into a power outfit. “Where something that flatters you.” Why should flatter=hide? I love my curves, and my sexy and fit man loves them too!!

I’ve always been a bootcut person myself and don’t see that changing anytime soon. If you love them you should wear them (but I love the writer’s suggestion on keeping proportion and shoes in mind). I think skinny jeans are here to stay.

Teresa

I am a plus girl and I LOVE skinnies! They CAN be flattering if you take your body type into consideration. Thanks for the tips!

michsuzyque

How long should the tunic be hip length past hip length what is a good length for those of us who are on the hippy side?

KiKi

Why should you were a skinny jeans when youre a plus-size? There are so many different types of jeans. Straight,bootcut etc.

I have strong legs and a “skinny” makes them look more stronger. Accept your body type and buy a jeans that flatters you.

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Hi, I’m Catherine — a 40-something, SoCal transplant living in St. Louis, writing about beauty and style on a budget. Let’s be friends! Feel free to reach out and say hi! And thank you for dropping by!

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Since 2003, Budget Fashionista has been empowering fashion-minded women of all ages to look their best for less. Join the Budget Fashionista community and learn how to style, shop, stay on trend and generally look amazing without spending a ton!